United States Phone Number Format Guide
The North American Numbering Plan uses a three-digit area code, three-digit exchange, and four-digit subscriber number. US and Canada share country code +1.
Standard format
+1 NPA-NXX-XXXX
Example
+1 212-555-0147
Implementation and validation notes
The North American Numbering Plan uses a three-digit area code, three-digit exchange, and four-digit subscriber number. US and Canada share country code +1.
Validate required state, character set, length, and syntax on the client, then repeat validation on the server. Preserve the original input and normalize into a separate field; never truncate local scripts, compound names, or leading zeroes to fit a single Western assumption.
This guide describes common formats rather than an official registry and cannot enumerate every exception. Generated output is for testing only, not delivery, calling, identity verification, or real account activity.
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard United States phone number format?
A common representation is +1 NPA-NXX-XXXX, for example +1 212-555-0147. The North American Numbering Plan uses a three-digit area code, three-digit exchange, and four-digit subscriber number. US and Canada share country code +1.
How should United States phone number test data be stored?
Store the original value as a string so leading zeroes, spaces, hyphens, accents, and local scripts are preserved. Use a separate normalized field for search.
Does correct formatting prove the data is real?
No. Syntax validation cannot prove an address is deliverable, a number is assigned, or a name belongs to a real person.